Choco Lava Cakes
Choco Lava Cakes are rich, gooey, and decadent desserts featuring a molten dark chocolate center encased in a tender cake exterior. Ready in under 30 minutes, these elegant yet easy-to-make cakes provide the ultimate chocolate experience, perfect for special occasions or weekday indulgences. Customize flavors or enjoy the classic to melt hearts with every luscious bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free optional (substitute flour)
Main Ingredients
- 4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease your ramekins or muffin tins with butter. Dust them lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Measure out all your ingredients to streamline the assembly process.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Mix Eggs, Sugar, and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and light in texture.
- Combine and Fold in Flour: Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while stirring gently to combine without deflating it. Then sift in the all-purpose flour and fold carefully until no streaks remain.
- Bake the Cakes: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared ramekins placed on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, ensuring the signature molten core.
- Serve Warm: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them rest for 1 minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto serving plates and serve immediately to enjoy the flowing molten chocolate center at its best.
Notes
- Don’t overbake to preserve the gooey molten center.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer flavor and smoother texture.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure even batter emulsification.
- Grease and dust ramekins well with cocoa powder to prevent sticking without adding sweetness.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best molten lava effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, quick chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake, molten center cake